The Misses and The Disses: The REAL World Example of How Censorship Threatens Freedom of Expression

Here’s a novel idea. Let people talk, and let people be.

(Yes, this includes the censorship of “misinformation”, “disinformation”, and “hate speech”.)

A lot of people have been asking how “The Southern Renegade Cookbook” came to be. What radicalized us enough to write a book with a subtitle of “Fuel Your Fighting Spirit, Feed Your Rebel Soul, and Fortify Your Path With TRUE Freedom of Energy”?

In a word, censorship… and thank goodness for X and Elon!

For a very long time, I’ve done my best NOT to be political. I still believe that with this article, I’m not, but I’m being human.

Censorship poses a profound danger to both “the working class” and business owners of all kinds, particularly those in fields like health and fitness that thrive on open dialogue and sharing diverse perspectives on how to transform our bodies, keep our results for the long haul, and live life to the fullest. 

We all have our needs and unique details about our lives. This is how diversity really shines. You MUST combine it with MERIT!

The ability for individuals to express themselves and engage in conversations about health, wellness, and personal growth is paramount for innovation and success. I mean, come on, bloodletting was mainstream at one point!

When censorship rears its ugly head, as we witnessed dramatically during the pandemic, it not only disrupts the flow of ideas but also stifles businesses that rely on factual information and community engagement. 

Let people talk and let people be; this simple truth is foundational for any thriving industry or civilization, especially one dedicated to improving lives.

As COVID-19 took hold, an alarming surge of online censorship cascaded through various platforms, silencing voices that dared to diverge from government-approved messaging. 

And what followed? Messaging that encouraged the intentional takedown and destruction of our freedoms. Which people blindly followed like sheep to slaughter, at first…

For me, as someone entrenched in the health and fitness business with a proven track record of results that greatly benefited my clients, the consequences were immediate and devastating. 

I had figured out how to lose 100 lbs. And keep it off for over a decade. Along with my wife, our coaching had helped 100’s of others get the results they were looking for in their life.

We were getting people healthy, lean, and fit. Our clients were changing their lives themselves to what they had always envisioned with their newfound energy and resolve.

That meant getting the body they always wanted, gaining confidence to go after more of what they wanted, and forming relationships they always wanted. And our reward?

Overnight, our videos vanished, our reach was limited, and the information meant to empower people towards healthier lifestyles was drowned out by a chorus of approved messaging that often led to the opposite effects. 

People were getting fatter, sicker, and dumber… by design. 

Approved messages encouraged inactivity and complacency at a time when people needed to embrace their health with vigor. Family members became victims. What did they do?

They accused me of leaning one way or the other politically! You see, it was their cop out. I was the one “brainwashed” by propaganda, and I was the one “narcissistic” enough to care so much about how I looked.

They’re not bad people, but they seemed blind to the fact they had been rope-a-doped into believing that poisoning themselves with their “food” was a normal thing, because “Hey, there’s a pill for that.”. It’s the American Way…

It made them one of “the good guys” to sacrifice their health for the good of the family.

Totally fucked up.

I’m an American too, and that sounds like the farthest you can get from freedom.

My once-thriving practice as a nutrition counselor and personal trainer quickly dried up after mandates were implemented, leaving me grappling with the harsh reality of not being able to reach clients or impact lives positively…or make enough money, which was especially embarrassing after giving the education system the middle finger and defiantly taking the road less traveled by leaving the 9 to 5 for the 24/7 and doing things on my own by forming my own business.... instead of being censored in my own classroom as teacher, because of religious reasons.

I’ll admit, I asked for it. But that risk is worth the reward, even if what followed was one of the most painful periods of my life.

The shutdown of gyms and fitness centers that followed the onset of the pandemic only compounded these challenges. I found myself stripped of the in-person connections that facilitated my work and made getting clients who I could actually help much easier, while simultaneously facing barriers to online engagement—my methods labeled as “extremist”, “far-right”, or even “racist” for simply advocating for better health. 

This ironic twist of fate highlighted the dangers of censorship, driving home the point that those whose messages could benefit others were the first to be silenced. It's disheartening to see that in a time when many needed guidance and support, authoritative narratives overshadowed meaningful conversations that could have helped people become healthier, leaner, and more engaged.

You can't get to the truth if you don't let people talk.

You can't get to the truth if you don't allow people to be themselves.

You can't detect who the real predators are unless you give them the chance to get caught in the act or a lie.

Long story, short...our messaging was intended to benefit everyone, regardless of how they look or what they worship, because we're all human.

The fallout from this censorship wasn’t limited to my business; it seeped into my personal life as well. As my bank accounts were drained and tax dollars were redistributed to others taking advantage of the system, I was forced to move back in with my parents alongside my wife and our pets was a devastating blow that showcased how interconnected our work and personal identities truly are. 

Losing my proximity to the community and gym family, brothers and sisters in the regional MMA/BJJ world, only added salt to the wound, as the environment that fueled my spirit and passion had vanished in an instant.

Suddenly, being judged or labeled as a “bad person” for my physical appearance was a burden I never anticipated outside of backhanded compliments from the family. This unfortunate reality illustrated a deeper issue: you cannot seek the truth without allowing individuals to express themselves, engage in meaningful discussions, and share their unique experiences.

Now, it’s not all bad, either…

My wife and I have grown much closer in our relationship, and we’ve been able to reconnect to family and friends like never before to repair relationships and understand each other on a deeper level. And that’s been worth any financial gut punch.

The essence of democracy hinges on the exchange of ideas. Long story short, the messaging I aimed to promote was intended to resonate with everyone, transcending superficial differences, such as skin color, to foster a sense of shared humanity. 

Yet, in an era where censorship is sanctioned by governing bodies, countless families, including my own, have suffered severe consequences. It has become painfully clear that relinquishing the freedom to dialogue not only endangers businesses but also undermines society’s ability to confront the challenges to our very essence as human beings that we face collectively…with deadly consequences.

Now, this may have sounded like it favors one side or the other, so far, but I guarantee you, you’d have a hard time nailing down my political leanings. This goes for both sides of the coin, and we must not stay divided!

I’m an American, and I believe in the principles of freedom to which this country was founded. Being a Southern American from Dixieland (which will also draw some hate, just for saying that), I’ve heard “God just made me this way.” more times than I’d like to admit as an excuse for people I care deeply about to shamelessly abuse themselves. 

On the other side of that extreme spectrum, we have adults and CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF CONSENT having irreversible surgeries that mutilate their bodies and jack their hormones for life just to fit into a mold that they think will FINALLY get them love.

Yet, you can’t drink, smoke, get tattoos, or vote until the age of 18. Make it make sense!

The trauma and mental anguish that people have been subjected to, not just in the modern age, but for all time to cause both sides of this behavior are unfathomable. It doesn’t shine a light too favorably on the human race, yet none of us can really wrap our heads around not being on this rock.

Human beings are dead set on making everything about race, which is exactly the tribalism that gets triggered in a fight for survival. Do you really want to live in that state of mind or surround yourself with people who think this way? The funny, ha-ha about that is nature favors genetic diversity, so take that for what you will.

Cancer, diabetes, heart attacks… all viewed as normal, at earlier and earlier ages, even down to the kids… and we KNOW it starts at our food supply.

If that’s not an act AGAINST God, I don’t know what is. Moreover, we must address the complicated interplay between religion and government… especially regarding artistic expression, bodily autonomy, and reproductive health.

This includes porn (between consenting adults and not pushed onto the fragile minds of our youth). You may find any sort of media, story, or controversial podcast vile and disgusting, but you can’t shut it down just because you don’t like it. 

Trafficking and sex slavery were happening long before adult content became prevalent, along with raping and murdering. Don’t mess with our freedom of expression. And no, it doesn’t matter what your religious book says either!

The separation of church and state exists for a reason, ensuring that individuals can worship freely without governmental interference. Your religious beliefs nor anyone else’s should determine the laws of the land.

This concern is universal, applying to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or any other faith; allowing diverse beliefs to coexist is vital for a healthy society. 

But in backing any governmental or religious agenda that stifles expression, we risk losing our fundamental freedoms altogether. My commitment to protecting my family remains resolute, irrespective of the chaos or challenges we face; it is my right to create and build a business centered around health, wellness, gaming, adult entertainment, or whatever else we choose, free from the shackles of repression.

Who knows what I’ll do tomorrow? That’s the fun of it.

The laws of God (or a god) and the laws of man should never intermingle.

Ultimately, free speech and freedom of expression are non-negotiable rights that should empower us rather than hinder progress. That means viewpoints and beliefs you don’t agree with too!

I can rest assured that I personally won't get in the way of anything, regardless of how “offended” I am. However, if someone decides to bring harm on me, my loved ones, or someone helpless, it doesn't matter what they look like or who they pray to…

They will be ended or I’ll die trying.

And you can’t even take away people’s bonbons and chemical shitstorms that they pass off as food, either. People do need transparency and informed consent to know what they’re getting into.

None of that happens in a world of censorship or moderating “hate speech”.

At the end of the day, the message of Rogue Consciousness is to be 100% authentically you, fueled by your convictions, and as strong as possible so you can bring your wildest dreams to life… just don’t hurt anyone with your expression. (And no, hurting feelings or making someone a little uncomfortable DOES NOT count as hurting someone!) 

Don’t intervene, unless you’re ready for an all out fight. And not just from me, but from a whole population that’s tired of the bullshit.

To steal a line from D-generation X, “If you’re not down with that, we got two words for ya! Suck it! 

The ability to say, “Fuck you.” is a necessary component of freedom, just like “Fuck you, too.”.

Engaging in open discussions, embracing diverse viewpoints, and challenging prevailing narratives are not just rights; they are essential ingredients for success—whether in business, health, or life in general. 

That’s why the Southern Renegade Cookbook was created.

It was a cause I was ready to die for, and I still am. The starting point to taking back control of your life is by taking control of your food (and therefore your freedom).

Whenever what’s right in your soul is deemed wrong by those in charge, rebellion becomes a necessity. That “book book cookbook” is a manifesto for health, freedom, and freedom through health…

And let’s not forget freedom from the system that’s kept us sick, suppressed, and subservient!

It’s all of our duties to live free or die in the attempt to preserve it.

Elevate Your Eating Habits! Are the complexities of healthy eating slowing you down? It’s time to simplify your nutrition and embark on an adventure of flavor and health. Conquer your cravings and schedule with confidence! Grab your copy today!

https://rogueconsciousness.com/southern-renegade-cookbook